นายแพทย์ภัทร จุลศิริ ศัลยแพทย์กระดูกและข้อผู้ชำนาญการด้านผ่าตัดเท้าและข้อเท้า - Dr. Pat Chulasiri, An orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery

The craft of an orthopedic doctor is like that of a structural engineer

“Without a solid foundation, our life journeys would be challenging.” Though many take feet for granted, imagine the disastrous impact if suddenly they are out of commission. Such a loss would be truly devastating.

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The craft of an orthopedic doctor is like that of a structural engineer

“Without a solid foundation, our life journeys would be challenging.”

Dr. Pat Chulasiri Banner

Though many take feet for granted, imagine the disastrous impact if suddenly they are out of commission. Such a loss would be truly devastating. In this issue of MedPark Stories, we invite you to delve into the insights of a medical professional who understands the vital role our feet play - so much so that he dedicated his career to becoming a foot doctor. Meet Dr. Pat Chulasiri, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery.

The Role of a Doctor: Beyond Just Treating Patients

His venture into medicine began at birth, being born into a family of an obstetrician grandmother who delivered him into this world. She is a role model, inspiring him to make medicine his calling.

“A doctor plays a role beyond patient care while also contributing to the development of our country. When we help people stay healthy, we prevent lost workdays and extended illnesses, enabling individuals to remain productive, hone their skills, and become a valuable national workforce.”

Dr. Pat Chulasiri Banner 1

When questioned about his decision to specialize in orthopedics, focusing on bone and joint surgery, the doctor said:

“As a child, I liked assembling Lego pieces into robots. Upon completing medical school, I sought a specialty that could seamlessly integrate my enthusiasm for physics and engineering with medicine. Orthopedics emerged as a perfect fit. When addressing bone fractures, besides requiring surgical expertise, we must calculate screw dimensions and metal plate length tailored to the unique fractured bone structure of each patient. This combination allows me to incorporate my interests into my daily practice.”

The human body is analogous to a building - with an added layer of biological intricacy. It is a complex meshwork of bones, muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and nerves - all of which play crucial roles in healing and treatment.

“During my orthopedic training, I had the good fortune of meeting a professor who was a pioneering foot specialist in Thailand. His teachings and words resonated deeply with me. Our feet are the foundation of our body. If this foundation is rickety, it affects every aspect of our life. It is much like a building without a secured mooring; the structure becomes unstable. This revelation steered me to specialize in foot and ankle surgery.”

Dr. Pat Chulasiri 2

Feet, The Unsung Heroes of Human Mobility

Many of us take our feet for granted, viewing them simply as instruments for walking. However, each foot contains an elaborate meshwork of 26 bones, along with numerous tendons, nerves, and muscles - rivaling the complexity of our hands.

“In Thai culture, there is a prevailing notion that feet are lowly, unworthy of attention. However, this perception could not be more misguided. Our feet are the foundation of our upright posture, mobility, and independence. When they are compromised, it significantly impacts our ability to participate in and enjoy life experiences. We should give priority to the health of our feet.” 

The doctor notes that many patients neglect and ignore foot ailments that specialists can readily treat.

“Abnormal symptoms should not be left untreated until they become chronic. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, ankle pain, and diabetic foot ulcers often do not require surgery or medication. Many foot issues can resolve themselves, with appropriate care and adherence to physical therapy guidelines.”

While many foot problems can resolve themselves, how can you know when to seek medical attention?

“For usual symptoms, you should expect improvement after resting for a week. If there is no improvement, I recommend consulting a specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.”

Dr. Pat Chulasiri 8

Perspective of a Foot Doctor on the Evolution of Orthopedic Foot Treatment

Recent medical technology advancements have pushed the treatment envelope, leading to higher expectations of treatment outcomes and a fundamentally transformed approach to addressing foot conditions.

“In the past, treatment was deemed satisfactory with just pain alleviation. Nowadays, the goal is to help patients return to their normal lives as quickly and fully as possible. Endoscopic approaches are available. My specialty is minimally invasive procedures, which can significantly reduce recovery time. Bunion, for instance, requires the expertise of a specialist for correction.”

“An increasingly popular innovation today is 3D scanning of a foot to create customized insoles. In other countries, advanced technologies allow bone scanning of the opposing foot as a mold for 3D printing artificial bone replacements. Looking ahead, we may embrace precision medicine, enabling us to pinpoint and treat the exact problematic area without damaging surrounding tissues.”

Dr. Pat Chulasiri 6

Restoring Feet, Transforming Futures

Dr. Pat reflects on a notable case of a 14-year-old patient who, after a traffic accident at the age of 12, struggled for two years with a dragging foot while walking. The condition prevented him from attending school as his classmates constantly taunted and mocked him.

“Upon evaluating his condition, I recommended corrective surgery, employing a technique to reposition the remaining tendons to lift his foot off the ground, thereby preventing dragging. The treatment, which included physical therapy, spanned three months, after which he was able to walk again.”

“This intervention proved invaluable. Two years of restricted mobility and lost education were transformed. Re-enrolling in school and graduating from university, the boy gave himself a second chance at life. Without this treatment, he would have missed out on crucial educational and career opportunities, which would have impacted on his ability to work and support his family. Our efforts extended beyond health care, making a significant difference in his societal future.”

Dr. Pat Chulasiri 1

An Orthopedic Foot Doctor with a Penchant for Foot-centric Recreations

Beyond his professional life, he enjoys trekking on foot in the great outdoors.

“I am a nature enthusiast, and I love hiking through forests and mountains, including rock climbing. As you can see, my favorite activities depend heavily on my feet and require significant walking and leg muscle engagement. This connection is why I place great importance on foot care and take great care to maintain their health.”

In addition, the physician emphasizes a frequently overlooked aspect of personal care: daily foot care. This simple yet crucial practice requires merely a moment of attention—a quick inspection after a shower or bath to discern any anomalies, coupled with the judicious selection of appropriate footwear.

Dr. Pat Chulasiri 3

“Choose shoes that offer steady, circumferential ankle support, safeguarding against potential mishaps and injuries. If you want to wear sandals, avoid rough terrain or long distances. If you prefer not to wear fully closed shoes in hot and humid climates, consider ankle-strap sandals for added protection.”

发布 21 8月 2024

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提及的医生

  • Link to doctor
    Dr Pat Chulasiri

    Dr Pat Chulasiri

    • Orthopedics Surgery
    • Foot and Ankle Surgery
    Minimally Invasive Technique of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Arthroscopic Foot and Ankle Surgery, Limb Length Discrepancy Correction